The India–Pakistan clash at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 grabbed the spotlight as it always does, but this time the history was written as much in the stands as on the pitch. In the sixth match of the tournament, Team India produced a one-sided performance to thump Pakistan by 64 runs and open their campaign in style. While Smriti Mandhana's bat did the damage up front, Deepti Sharma's bowling later tore through the Pakistani batting line-up.
A record-breaking turnout at the ground
The biggest highlight of the contest unfolded off the field. A total of 18,814 spectators turned up at Edgbaston Stadium to watch this high-voltage encounter — the highest attendance ever recorded for any group-stage match in the history of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. The previous record belonged to the 2024 T20 World Cup, when 15,935 fans packed the stadium for the India–Pakistan game in Dubai. The numbers offered clear proof of the surging popularity of women's cricket.
Mandhana's blazing knock powers India's total
India won the toss and chose to bat first, and the start was aggressive. Shafali Verma smashed a six off the very first ball of the match to signal the team's intent. That intent, however, was short-lived, as she was dismissed soon after. Jemimah Rodrigues also fell early, giving Pakistan a glimpse of a way back into the game.
It was at this point that Smriti Mandhana anchored one end and took charge of the innings herself. She brought up her fifty in just 34 balls and went on to play a superb knock of 68 runs. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur chipped in with a valuable 36 to keep the scoreboard ticking. In the closing overs, Richa Ghosh blazed away to 34 runs off just 17 balls, lifting India to a strong 170/6 in 20 overs. Notably, this also became India's highest-ever total against Pakistan in the Women's T20 World Cup.
Deepti Sharma's spell bundles Pakistan out for 106
Chasing 171, Pakistan looked under pressure from the very first ball. India's bowlers never allowed them room to free their arms. Leading that stranglehold was Deepti Sharma, who claimed the second five-wicket haul of her T20I career to break the back of Pakistan's batting. The result was that the entire Pakistani side folded for 106, handing India a comfortable 64-run win.
What lies ahead
The victory gives India a confident launch to their tournament. Team India will play their next match on 17 June against the Netherlands at Headingley, while Pakistan will take on South Africa at the same Edgbaston venue.
